1954
As before, the only way of notification was by post and as there is no telephone number on the letter head I presume Jack would have to reply by the same method. A secretary’s job back in the day wasn’t easy – not that it is today but with all the ways to communicate nowadays it must be easier than it was back then.
1954
The full list of games for the various competitions that came under the umbrella of the Yorkshire Association. Notice that Huddersfield have 6 men in the quarter-finals, and the two that aren’t have been drawn together, meaning that Huddersfield are guaranteed a finalist. Jack’s game against Jim Broadhead is at Oakes WMC, BRADFORD; not Huddersfield because he was entered by the Halifax Association, being the winner of their Billiards Championship.
1954
For the second consecutive year Jack had made it to the Championships proper and here we have a letter from Burroughes & Watts asking when he would like to have an hours practice on the match table at the venue. You will notice that the letter is addressed to John, Jack’s given name and possibly the only thing I have in all the letters, newspaper clippings and memorabilia with it on.
1954
Confirmation that Jack won his quarter-final against Jim Broadhead and now meets Harold, again not in Huddersfield as one might expect, but at Brighouse. The table there won’t be new to him or Harold as they are both playing for Rastrick Constitutional Club in the Halifax Parish League, and Thornhill Briggs also play in the league. It is nice of Rosse to wish him good luck in both matches. I think Jack and Rosse have become good friends over the years as you will see in another letter later on.
1954
Another bill for Jack’s overnight stay in London: a different hotel from the previous year but still in the same group of hotels. The Kenilworth is on Great Russell Street which is only round the corner from the Ivanhoe and so just another eight minute walk to Soho Square.
Jack Mellor 